AN analog + digital STUDIO
in bloomington, in
Russian Recording is a full-service analog/digital hybrid recording studio located in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. Founded in 2003 by Mike Bridavsky, the studio has contributed to over 2,000 records across a wide range of genres and artists.
For more than two decades, we’ve focused on building an accessible, reliable, and thoughtfully designed studio that sounds exceptional and feels just as good to be in. The space is warm, comfortable, and unpretentious - designed to keep sessions focused and productive while helping artists feel safe, relaxed, and creatively at ease so they can perform at their best. Over the years, we’ve assembled a deep, well-maintained collection of high-quality equipment, including a customized 1972 Sphere Eclipse Type III console, over 300 vintage and rare microphones, and an extensive selection of analog and digital outboard gear, instruments, amplifiers, and effects.
We operate as a fully capable analog/digital hybrid facility and can accommodate sessions that are entirely analog, entirely digital, or anywhere in between, based on the needs of each project.
Our in-house team includes studio founder Mike Bridavsky, along with producers and engineers Damion Schiralli and Dan Ahrendt. All three are available for recording, mixing, mastering, production, and performance, and each brings a unique set of musical and technical strengths to the table. Whether you need start-to-finish production or just a solid engineer for the day, we can tailor our involvement to suit your goals.
Russian Recording also regularly hosts freelance engineers and outside production teams. Visiting engineers often choose our studio not only for its consistency, reliability, and flexibility, but for the unmistakable sound of our console, the rare and extensive microphone selection, our diverse outboard gear, and the natural character of the rooms. We’re happy to assist with orientation or be available as needed, and many engineers return again and again for the experience and results the studio provides.
The facility includes three tracking rooms: a large live room, a smaller live isolation room, and a tight, controlled dead room. On-site lodging is available in two dorm-style rooms that sleep up to six people, with a full kitchen and bath. Two fully furnished Airbnb apartments are also located directly above the studio and may be rented, pending availability.
Notable artists we’ve worked with include Deerhoof, Magnolia Electric Co., Durand Jones & The Indications, Half Japanese, The Cowboys, Angel Du$t, Amy O, The Residents, Tig Notaro, Good Luck, Major Murphy, and many others.
Please note that we have two studio cats and a part-time studio dog. They are pleasant and may contribute to your session as needed.
Tape Op Feature: https://vintageking.com/blog/russian-recording/
Vintage King Feature: https://tapeop.com/interviews/160/mike-bridavsky
A vast, eclectic, and carefully curated collection of recording equipment.
The studio houses an extensive selection of modern and vintage recording equipment and musical instruments, all meticulously maintained and in excellent working condition. At its center is a fully refurbished and customized 72-input Sphere Eclipse Type III mixing console, paired with Burl Mothership A/D/A converters (28 in / 52 out), a regularly serviced Otari MX-80 2" 16/24-track tape machine, and a fully restored Studer B67 ¼" half-track machine.
We maintain a carefully curated collection of over 300 modern and vintage microphones, including one of the most complete and immaculate Soviet and Japanese microphone collections in the world, alongside a full arsenal of classic studio staples. Our outboard gear includes a wide variety of compressors, mic preamps, equalizers, and effects processors.
In addition to recording equipment, the studio offers a large and well-kept inventory of modern and vintage guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, drums, analog synthesizers, keyboards, and acoustic instruments—including a regularly tuned grand piano.
Every piece of equipment in the studio is obsessively maintained, calibrated, and fully operational.
A Really Nice Space
The studio features three tracking rooms: a spacious live room with natural light (23' x 28' x 17'), a smaller live isolation room (10' x 11' x 13.5'), and a tight, controlled dead room (9' x 10' x 12'). Each space is acoustically treated and isolated, offering distinct sonic characteristics that provide a wide range of recording options.
The control room (13' x 21' x 11.5') is a comfortable and acoustically neutral listening environment, also with natural light. The layout of the facility ensures clear sight lines between all tracking rooms and the control room, supporting seamless communication during sessions.
Tie lines to every room allow complete flexibility for amp placement, microphone routing, and headphone mixes, making it easy to put any musician in any space and send any signal anywhere in the studio.
In addition to full sleeping accommodations, we provide complimentary fizzy water, a wide selection of teas, and our own proprietary Hopscotch Coffee blend, roasted locally here in Bloomington.
